Learnings from Hadapsar Katraj Pilot BRT

In 2006, Pune became the first city in India to operationalize a Bus Corridor having received funding under JnNURM towards developing a (BRTS) project on a 16.2 km stretch between Katraj to Hadapsar via Swargate. This was at a time where there was limited nationwide knowledge about BRTS and its applicability in Indian conditions.

This was a constructive step by Pune Municipal Corporation and PMPML to transform the traditional public bus service. The pilot project was in fact a path‐breaking effort that led to learnings for future BRT projects across the country including the new corridors in both Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad. Compared to the regular bus service the Pilot BRT project in Pune had led to increase in number of passengers on the bus routes, increased frequency of buses, efficiency in fuel consumption, easier driving conditions for the driver and more effective operations. There were of course several learnings as well. A detailed discussion was done with the PMPML and PMC staff involved in the project to understand the difficulties faced.

With increased technical expertise in the country, the training of staff done by PMPML, PMC and PCMC staff, now almost a decade later, the Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporations and the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Ltd (PMPML) are preparing to launch a new BRT system in phases.

Four corridors in Pimpri Chinchwad measuring 45 km and 2 corridors in Pune measuring 16km are being developed in the first phase, out of which Sangamwadi to Vishrantwadi in Pune and Sangvi to Kiwale in Pimpri Chinchwad are being readied for launch. These are all part of the same system to be operated and managed by PMPML and have similar features.

The new phase of BRTS, branded as ‘Rainbow BRTS’ is expected to substantially improve the public transport system in the Pune region. Some of the major improvements in Rainbow BRTS as compared to the pilot project are as follows:

Buses – Over 600 specially designed buses with both side doors and more standing space have been procured for Rainbow BRTS

Bus stations – Centrally located common Bus Stations, allowing for docking on the right side which are closed, well lit, have a ramp at the entrance, have signage and information about the corridors and stations in the corridors

Tickets at stations – The ticket is to be bought at the ticket counter inside the station before boarding the bus. Smart Cards are proposed in the next phase.

Level Boarding – The height of the bus platform and the BRT station platform are at the same level. Passengers do not have to climb steps to board the bus, a feature similar to metro rail.

Automatic Doors – The BRT stations have automatic doors. The station doors and the bus doors will open only when the bus is properly docked at the station.

Crossings – The facility for crossing the road and reaching the BRT stations that are located in the median of the road is improved as compared to the pilot project. The crossings have signals in many locations or have speed tables so that vehicles have to slow down to allow passengers to cross safely.

Intelligent Transit Management System – ITMS is being installed on all buses and BRT stations. The buses have a GPS, using which it will be possible to monitor the movement of buses from the BRTS Control Room at Swargate. Passengers will also be able to get information on bus arrival at the stations and information about the next stop inside the buses through display screens and audio announcements.

Security and Traffic Management – Security personnel have been hired for all BRT stations. Traffic Wardens have been hired to help in the management of other traffic and prevent entry into dedicated bus lanes.

Outreach presentations and meetings have been done in many schools, colleges, companies and residential areas and are also currently under way.